Opportunities in Anthropology

Academic Opportunities

Senior Thesis

Senior Theses are intended to provide students with an opportunity to do intense research and writing in any area of anthropology under the mentorship of two members of the anthropology faculty. A senior thesis may be based on original research, library research, or a combination of the two, but in any case should build on a student's previous course work in anthropology. It should include a thorough review of relevant previous literature and develop an original argument on the topic. In addition to a written paper, students are expected present their research to the public.

All Senior Theses are considered Mentored Advanced Projects (MAPs), but not all MAPs are Senior Theses. A Senior Thesis requires a distinct application process.

Awards, Grants, Scholarships, and Fellowships

Asrelsky Prize

The Rachael Asrelsky Anthropology Paper Prize is given annually to the author of an outstanding paper written for an anthropology class in honor of Rachael Asrelsky ('89) who died in the Lockerbie bombing while returning from an off-campus program.

Luebben Award

The Ralph Luebben Prize in Anthropology is awarded annually to the graduating senior who best exemplifies the ideal Anthropology student including meritorious scholarly work, breadth in the discipline, field experience, and an anthropological viewpoint on life.

Archaeologist, anthropologist, teacher, scholar—Ralph A. Luebben was the first full-time professor of anthropology at Grinnell College, the first tenured anthropologist on the faculty, the first chair of an autonomous department of anthropology, and the founder of the department’s summer archaeological field school. Ralph Luebben’s affiliation with Grinnell began in 1957. Ralph Luebben retired from Grinnell College in 1983-84. In honor of Ralph Luebben’s many contributions to the department, the Department of Anthropology solicited funds from colleagues and former students and established an endowment fund for the Luebben Prize. Ralph passed away October 19, 2009.

Emeritus Professors' Student Research Fund

The Department of Anthropology honors the legacy of its distinguished Emeritus Professors, D. Douglas Caulkins, Ron Kurtz, and Ralph Luebben through the Anthropology Emeritus Professors' Student Research Fund. These competitive funds are intended to expand current student research opportunities when normal College funds are not available. The funds may be used for research or expenses related to travel to disseminate results of research (such as conference attendance). Applications will be reviewed by the department three times a year. Awards will be disbursed at the beginning of each semester for travel and research incurred during the academic year (up to $500) and one for summer research or travel (up to $1000).

All returning anthropology majors are eligible to apply for funds, pending availability. Students should consult with a member of the department before submission of their proposal regarding the nature of the project and requests for funds. After this consultation, applicants should submit a one page description of their project as well as a detailed budget to Marna Montgomery. When applicable, copies of receipts and/or letter of acceptance to a conference should be submitted to receive funds.

Boren Scholarships

Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 to U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin American, and the Middle East.

Marshall Scholarships

Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the United Kingdom. Up to forty Scholars are selected each year to study at graduate level at an UK institution in any field of study.

Mitchell Scholarship

The Mitchell Scholarship Program, named to honor former US Senator George Mitchell's pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, is designed to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community and public service.

Up to twelve Mitchell Scholars between the ages of 18 and 30 are chosen annually for one year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Rhodes Scholarships

Rhodes Scholarships, the oldest international educational fellowships, were initiated after the death of Cecil Rhodes in 1902, and bring outstanding students from many countries around the world to the University of Oxford.

Organizations and Activities

SEPC

The Student Educational Policy Committee, or SEPC, is a student-faculty liaison group which provides faculty with student input on professors, candidates, curriculum, and other departmental issues. It also organizes social events within the department.